thank
/θæŋk/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To express gratitude to someone for a gift, service, or kindness.
She paused at the door to thank the host for a wonderful evening.
To hold someone or something responsible for an undesirable situation.
We have poor city planning to thank for this daily traffic gridlock.
How it's used
When this means “express gratitude”
- thank the host for dinner
“thank him for it.”
She wanted to thank him for all his help.
When this means “hold responsible”
- have the weather to thank for the delay
“have it to thank for this.”
You have your own carelessness to thank for this outcome.
Collocations
- have yourself to thank
Synonyms
- blame
Idioms
thank your lucky stars
to be extremely grateful for good fortune
You can thank your lucky stars that nobody was hurt in the accident.
thank goodness
an exclamation of relief
Thank goodness the storm passed without causing any major damage.